These insect wood sculptures were inspired by research into
creating insect/machine hybrid creatures for military use presently being
conducted in the United States by the government-sponsored organisation known
as DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). The project is known
by the acronym 'HI-MEMS' (Hybrid Insect Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems).

The images of the insects in display
domes shown above and to the left were originally taken by (at a higher
resolution) and are copyright of Will Bolton . More of his work can
be seen at www.williamabolton.com

Shown below is a sculpture carved four years
before the first of the insects above. I had not heard of DARPA at the time.Click
on the image for more information.